Category Archives: Sailing

When traveling in San Diego there are a lot of things to do and the harbor is definitely an area you should visit. But what should you do in San Diego harbor?

San Diego Harbor, a sparkling jewel nestled against the California coastline, offers a vibrant tapestry of activities for every visitor. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a day of family fun, the harbor promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a glimpse into some of the exciting ways to discover its magic:

Create Lasting Memories with Sea Monkey Adventures

Join us on a 2.5 hour boat tour that will help you relax and enjoy the calming wind of the Pacific.Our boat tour is an amazing attraction for kids and adults alike and we guarantee it’s an experience you or your kids won’t forget (yes, we’re biased. Sue us). The tour includes stunning views and if we’re lucky enough we can also see seals, dolphins and other amazing sea animals on our morning sail. For the wind and sea lovers you can join our daytime sail which offers an amazing opportunity to relax and feel the wind and the sun. For those of you who like the pretty view and the light breeze we definitely recommend our sunset sail. The last one is also during golden hour so it gives you the best photos to brag about your kids.

Immerse Yourself in the Legacy of the USS Midway Museum

Step aboard the legendary USS Midway Museum and delve into the awe-inspiring world of aircraft carriers. This colossal ship, once the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, now offers a glimpse into American naval history. Explore the expansive flight deck, marvel at the collection of vintage fighter jets and bombers, and witness firsthand the power and complexity of these magnificent machines. Interactive exhibits and captivating documentaries bring the stories of the Midway and its crew to life, allowing you to experience the thrill and sacrifice of life at sea.

Dive into the Depths of Ocean Exploration at the San Diego Maritime Museum

Unleash your inner marine biologist and embark on a voyage of discovery at the San Diego Maritime Museum. Explore a fascinating collection of historic vessels, including the Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship in the world. Climb aboard these magnificent ships and imagine the voyages they undertook. Interactive exhibits and educational programs bring the wonders of the underwater world to life, allowing you to learn about the diverse marine life that calls San Diego Harbor home. Witness fascinating displays on oceanography, ship navigation, and the critical role San Diego has played in maritime history.

Savor Culinary Delights and Waterfront Charm at Seaport Village

Stroll along the enchanting waterfront promenade at Seaport Village and immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. This charming destination boasts a delightful array of shops offering unique treasures, handcrafted souvenirs, and locally-made goods. Indulge your taste buds at a variety of harbor-front restaurants, each offering fresh seafood dishes and breathtaking views of the bobbing boats and glistening water. As the afternoon unfolds, enjoy live music performances by talented local artists, adding a touch of vibrancy to your harbor experience.

Embrace Adventure with Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding

For the active explorer, San Diego Harbor offers the chance to experience its beauty from a unique perspective – on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Rent your equipment and glide across the calm waters, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city skyline and the gentle rocking of anchored boats. Feel the cool spray of the ocean mist as you paddle alongside playful seabirds and observe the vibrant marine life darting beneath the surface. For those seeking a more mindful experience, SUP yoga classes are available, offering the opportunity to combine exercise with breathtaking scenery.

Explore San Diego’s Past on a Walking Tour

Lace up your walking shoes and embark on a self-guided exploration of the historic Embarcadero district. This vibrant neighborhood boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles, from the Victorian-era grandeur of the Horton Plaza to the sleek modernity of the high-rise buildings. Step back in time as you admire beautifully preserved structures and learn about San Diego’s fascinating past through informative plaques and historical markers. Capture stunning photos of iconic landmarks like the Coronado Bridge, a majestic feat of engineering, and the historic clock tower, a symbol of the city’s rich heritage.

When traveling with your kids in San Diego there are a lot of great options. But how do you know which ones to choose? Look at our 6 favorites to help you decide.

San Diego isn’t just beaches and sunshine (though it has plenty of those too!). It’s a vibrant city bursting with activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Here are five ideas to make your San Diego adventure with kids unforgettable:

Join Our Family-Oriented Sailing

A sailing tour is definitely one experience you can have in San Diego that your kids will not forget. The experience of seeing the amazing views, the excitement of going on the water and even the possibility of seeing seals or other sea creatures is absolutely an unforgettable experience you wouldn’t want to miss. We built our sailing tour to be family oriented so our captain, Jonathan, knows well how to entertain the kids so the adults can enjoy the calm ocean winds. We have the option of a morning sail where we have the best chance to see the sea animals, daytime sail for people who love feeling the stronger winds and also the sunset sail for everyone who likes the views of the sunset.

Explore Balboa Park

This 1,200-acre park is a wonderland for curious minds. Start your day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where you can see giant pandas, majestic tigers, and playful koalas. Next, hop on the Balboa Park Carousel for a whimsical ride on a beautifully hand-carved animal. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Fleet Science Center, where kids can experiment with physics, tinker with robots, and even journey through the human body.

LEGOLAND California

Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! LEGOLAND California is a theme park built entirely out of colorful bricks. Kids can ride coasters built with LEGO bricks, explore Miniland USA (a miniature recreation of iconic American landmarks), and even get their driver’s license at the LEGO City Driving School. If you’re looking for some splashy fun, the LEGOLAND Water Park is right next door, offering water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Dive into the underwater world at Birch Aquarium. Kids will be mesmerized by the colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, playful sea otters, and graceful sharks. Interactive exhibits allow them to touch tide pool creatures, learn about bioluminescence, and even virtually explore the kelp forests off California’s coast.

Hit the Beach and Enjoy California Sunshine

San Diego boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mission Beach offers classic beach fun with volleyball courts, boardwalk rides, and delicious treats. Coronado Beach is known for its pristine white sand and gentle waves, perfect for building sandcastles and splashing in the surf. La Jolla Shores is a great spot for tidepooling, where kids can discover all sorts of fascinating sea creatures left behind by the receding tide.

Catch a Show or Enjoy a Family-Friendly Performance

San Diego has a thriving theater scene with plenty of options for families. The Old Globe Theatre offers a variety of productions, including musicals and classic plays, geared towards young audiences. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the La Jolla Playhouse, which stages innovative productions throughout the year. For a truly unique experience, catch a performance at the San Diego Puppet Theater, where colorful characters come to life on stage.

This is just a taste of the many adventures that await you and your family in San Diego. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

People of all ages are drawn to water because of its captivating and calming properties. Those looking to relax with family members, including children, will enjoy being in an alluring environment that inspires reverence and restoration.

San Diego sailing adventures are a great family bonding experience for a wide number of reasons. Read on to learn some of the best.

An Environment of Togetherness

When you go sailing with your family, you carve out time to be in a small space with them. You’ll be in close physical proximity and have the time to talk and bond in new ways.

You’ll be able to discuss elements of the sailboat as well as your environment. Those on sailing adventures get close to reefs and cool sea life. This gives you something attention-grabbing and unique to point out to kids and talk about with them.

It’s also difficult for parents to connect with self-isolating teens in many instances because of distractions and reclusive tendencies. Sailing nips those problems in the bud! Sailboats aren’t roomy enough for them to hide, and you’ll be able to finagle them into some quality time that they’re sure to secretly love (despite some for-show eye-rolling.)

Plus, the lack of good cell phone service means that kids (and parents) won’t become distracted by texting, games, or social media feeds. Everyone will be more present on the sailboat than they would likely be on land. This makes family bonding the #1 priority during your time on the water.

Sailing Adventures Are Collaborative

When you book family fun with Sea Monkey Adventures, you’ll get on a boat with a friendly captain. This means that people of all ages and skill levels are welcome on the 35-foot yacht. You don’t need to worry about not knowing what to do since you’ll always have help.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t learn new skills with your family when you go sailing. In fact, it’s encouraged. Sailing is widely acknowledged as an activity that requires teamwork, making it perfect for improving family communication.

You and your kids can work together toward the common goal of moving the yacht forward. You’ll need to communicate about navigating the ship, hoisting the sails, and solving problems that come up.

This means that you’ll be able to engage in something that brings you closer together through active conversation!

Working together doesn’t just make your family feel emotionally closer. It also teaches kids about the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

Remember that children model their behavior and values after their parents. If you value connection and communication, they’ll be more excited to work with other people toward common goals in the future as well.

A Can-Do Attitude

While you can go sailing, even without any experience or skill, it’s a good opportunity to learn new things. This can help kids become more open-minded about different experiences. It can also broaden their horizons and make them feel excited about new things.

Most importantly, it gives you the chance to demonstrate the ability to bring a positive can-do attitude to completely new experiences.

If you seem excited and motivated, your kids will pick up on that. They take cues from their parents about how to feel about certain activities and experiences. If you show your kids that learning the ropes and understanding the world around them is fun, they’ll internalize this mindset, too.

This is great because it makes your sailing adventure more fun. But it doesn’t stop there. Developing this positive growth mindset means a more open-minded child who’s excited to try various things.

Growing Confidence

Another reason that sailing helps kids get a better mindset toward life is that it builds confidence.

Sailing is challenging and requires a lot of patience. You don’t just need to be goal-oriented and talk to your family members about what you’re doing. You also need to be adaptable to different tides and weather conditions (such as when clouds come out).

This requires kids to be able to bounce back when faced with difficulties and challenges.

Overcoming these obstacles lets both you and your kids feel more confident in your problem-solving abilities. Your whole family will feel ready to take on the world, which builds a sense of everyone’s individual ability to succeed. Your children will feel more like hard work pays off and will be able to apply this idea to other parts of their lives.

This doesn’t just make kids more willing to try new things. It also nurtures their personal growth. They find new strengths that they have and learn how to get over their weaknesses, which helps them become self-aware and self-sufficient.

They’ll be better able to handle challenges in the future and can achieve their goals better!

Teachable Moments

In addition to learning that new experiences are fun, kids will also have tons of great teachable moments while on a sailing excursion.

First, it requires a lot of interpersonal skill development. Both parents and children need to communicate about their environment and the tasks needed to sail correctly. While the captain will be there to help, you’ll still want to try some things on your own for fun!

Second, you’ll have lots of teachable moments about planning and accountability. You’ll need to plan out your sailing adventure, figure out where you want to go, and determine what you need to do to get there. Even if you have a pre-planned course, it’s good to talk with kids about how you’re getting from point A to point B.

You’ll also be able to answer lots of questions about the things you’re seeing on your excursion. Your captain can teach kids about the work that goes into setting sail and maintaining the boat. You can personally teach kids about cool wildlife that you see, like fish and turtles.

Plus, sitting down with charts of the waters before an adventure is a lot of fun, too. You can go over maps of the San Diego waters around you and show kids how to find their location. Reading a map is an important life skill that they’ll have a chance to acquire!

Creative Opportunities

When you’re sailing, there will be periods of lots of activity. But there will also be a lot of downtime when you and your family are left to your own thoughts.

Your excursion will be over two hours long – when you’re a kid, that’s a lot of time to fill!

While reflection and contemplation are great for a while, you can bond better by staying engaged at sea. Board and card games are a great way to pass the time while enjoying the sea breeze. Mini-game boards like pocket Yahtzee and magnetic chess are easily portable.

You also might want to bring painting or sketching supplies on board. Every member of the family can try to create a painting or drawing of the seascapes and marine life you’re looking at. You can chat about your drawings and compare what you focused on to see what stood out most to everyone.

Trivia games are also a lot of fun, and they work to engage kids with their surroundings just as art does. You can challenge everyone to identify marine life and give them some fun facts when they do. Try to make a friendly contest to see who can identify the most animals and learn facts about them!

Memorable Fun

When kids and parents sail together, they can leave their worries and difficult commitments back on the shoreline. It gives you the chance to enter a more carefree headspace where your mind is busy in the present. This serves to ground everyone regardless of age and helps you live in the moment.

Because of this, sailing is like a mini family vacation. Whether you’re looking to escape from daily life in San Diego or want a mini adventure while on your larger one, you’ll be able to remain super present while on your excursion.

This makes the experience memorable for kids. It’s peaceful and they don’t need to worry about school or chores. It can serve as a sort of oasis from the troubles of daily life.

In several years (or even decades), your kids will be able to look back fondly on the time you went sailing together. After all, the communication and relaxing vibes foster a lot of emotional proximity. It would be no surprise if your family adventure was a turning point in your relationships.

Set Sail on a Family Adventure

Now that you know why sailing adventures are a great family bonding experience, it’s time to plan some family fun in San Diego, CA. We’re excited to offer private sailing excursions for families of up to six people regardless of their ages and experience level.

Whether you prefer a morning, daytime, or sunset sail, we have the perfect experience open to you. Book a sailing service from Sea Monkey Adventures to begin bonding with your loved ones and creating memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

According to a recent survey, 80% of parents agree that travel helps their children gain a broader perspective of the world. Taking your kids’ education beyond the classroom provides countless developmental benefits. It’s also a great way for families to strengthen their bonds.

What better place for a family getaway than the gorgeous setting of San Diego? The temperate climate, coupled with miles of scenic coastline, makes it the perfect backdrop for sailing with family. From swimming to fishing, families can make lasting memories over a day or multi-day excursion.

Read on for tips to get you started.

Why a Family Sailing Vacation?

Sailing with family has many advantages, both for you and your children. From bonding to helping your kids gain confidence, here are some benefits of family sailboat tours.

Escape Digital Distractions

A sailing trip for kids is great because it cuts down on screen time. Even if they bring their phones, they’ll use them less. Sailing captivates them with the excitement of outdoor adventures.

Enhanced Family Bonding

Sailing is unique in how it unites families. It’s an activity that all ages can enjoy together, requiring cooperation. On the water, you’ll create lasting memories, face obstacles as a team, and appreciate being together, which is great for emotional development.

Educational Opportunities

The time spent on the water introduces children to sea creatures, ocean ecosystems, and various marine learning experiences. It encourages collaboration, effective communication, and critical thinking as the family collaborates to steer the boat. Additionally, children gain insights into effective planning, responsibility, interpreting maps, environmental science, and more.

Personal Growth

Sailing lets your kids view you beyond the roles of parents. On a sailboat, everyone is equal, and abilities are more important than age. Overcoming challenges at sea can boost confidence, independence, and toughness in the family.

Planning Your Family Sailing Trip

Now that your heart is set on a fantastic adventure on the open water, it’s time to start planning the trip. You’ll need to be well prepared, especially if sailing with children.

1. Decide on a Destination

The first step in planning your family sailing trip is deciding where you want to go. Consider the interests and ages of your family members, the time of year, and weather conditions.

Do you want to explore the Caribbean islands, sail down the San Diego coastline, or visit the Mediterranean? Make a list of potential destinations and discuss them with your family to decide on the perfect location.

2. Decide on Your Mode of Transportation

There are two main options when it comes to sailing with the family: a chartered yacht or a family sailboat tour. The former offers more freedom and flexibility but also comes with more responsibility and cost.

On the other hand, family sailboat tours are more convenient and safer, though with reduced privacy and control. Weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose what suits your family best.

3. Plan Your Itinerary

Now that you have your boat, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Research the best routes, anchorages, and attractions in your chosen destination.

Consider the length of your trip, the distance between locations, and the time you want to spend on the water versus exploring ashore. Create a rough itinerary and discuss it with your family to ensure everyone is happy with the plans.

4. Pack Essentials

Before going family cruising, it’s important to pack everything you need for a comfortable and safe journey. Make a list of essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothing, rain gear, and sea sickness medication.

Don’t forget to include snorkeling gear, beach towels, and entertainment for the kids. Important provisions include food, drinks, and fuel. 

5. Prioritize Safety

Before setting sail, ensure your crew is ready for what’s to come. Educate your family on basic sailing terms, safety practices, and what to do in emergencies. Cover man-overboard procedures, fire emergency actions, using the radio, and securing belongings in bad weather, among other protocols.

Additionally, it’s crucial to equip your boat with the necessary safety gear, including life jackets for everyone on board, a first aid kit, flares, and a functioning VHF radio. Familiarize everyone with where these items are stored and how to use them properly. This preparation not only enhances safety but also gives everyone peace of mind, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable sailing experience.

6. Set Sail!

Finally, it’s time to set sail and begin your family sailing adventure! Remember to stay flexible and adapt your itinerary as needed. Weather conditions, mechanical issues, or unexpected opportunities may require changes to your plans. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the incredible experiences that sailing has to offer.

Preparing Children for the Sailing Experience

Any new experience can cause nervousness, especially for children. The prospect of sailing across open waters fuels young imaginations with both intrigue and anxiety. The following tips can help parents ease hesitations and build excitement for the upcoming adventure.

Get Ahead of Apprehensions

An effective strategy is openly talking to your kids about some of the things that might worry them. For example, they might be scared of getting seasick, feeling unsafe, or using unfamiliar bathrooms. Show them pictures or videos of what sailing looks like so they know what to expect.

Talk to them about preventative measures they can take. This might include wearing motion sickness wristbands, storing anti-nausea medication onboard, and wearing life jackets while on deck. Practice what to do if the boat gets rocky, like holding onto something steady or putting things away securely.

By talking about these things ahead of time, kids will feel more prepared and less likely to panic if something unexpected happens.

Make Them Part of the Planning

Giving children ownership of certain decisions gets them more excited about the vacation. Have them help pick menu items to provision so there are appetizing foods onboard they already enjoy. Let them assist in selecting the sailing outfitters, vessel amenities, or music playlists to download.

Sit down as a family to review the proposed sailing itinerary. Take note of the locations they’re most excited to explore, like snorkeling spots or beaches. Tracking milestones of the voyage on a calendar builds eager anticipation.

Practice Finding Sea Legs

One of the reasons for hesitation when it comes to children sailing is motion or sea sickness. A great way to get around this is to practice finding sea legs. Try implementing games at home that strengthen balance, body spatial awareness, and mind-body connection.

Have the kids practice basic yoga poses like tree pose or warrior pose that improve equilibrium. Visiting local marinas ahead of time can also help them get comfortable seeing sailboats up close and in motion across the water.

Alternatively, consider scheduling an intro sailing session so they can experience the sensation of wind and waves at a lower intensity. Even paddling around a lake acclimates to being on open water. Short practice runs allow for adjusting to new environments.

Start a Countdown

Mark off days until the sail on a wall calendar. Schedule movie nights to watch age-appropriate sailing films together. Read adventure book series that take place on the high seas.

Make an on-board scavenger hunt list together, spotting items like sail ties, buoy balls, and crested terns. Checking tasks off the list keeps focus on the sailing vacation.

Pack Preparedness Kits

Having kids decorate small backpacks with their names gives a sense of ownership. Allow them to carefully pick items to pack, like sunblock, hats, toys for downtime, headlamps for stargazing, and a camera for capturing memories. Regularly revisiting their special sailing trip bags reinforces the experience to come.

Highlight Stops Along the Way

Instead of just talking about the children’s sailing adventure, diligently detail island stops, port towns for souvenir shopping, chartered restaurants at marina docks, and planned excursions like glass-bottom boat tours and banana boating. Visualizing fun at-sea diversions eases anxiousness about open water passages.

Onboard Activities for Kids

Keeping kids engaged while sailing is key to a memorable trip. Prepare a variety of activities suited for different interests and age levels. Boredom can brew mischief, while participation cultivates lasting fun.

So what can you do?

Start with a sailing-themed treasure hunt around the boat, hiding small prizes or treats that kids can find. Let imaginations set sail by acting out stories starring pirates, mermaids, and sea creatures. Foster creativity through ocean animal origami projects or decorative logbooks for documenting wildlife sightings.

Connect young authors with epic tales by sharing sailor folklore filled with storms and adventures. Have tweens journal daily reflections on sail experiences building writing skills. Assign junior photographers the duty of capturing priceless family moments and awe-inspiring seascapes.

When the wind calms, introduce onboard games, puzzles, and arts-and-crafts for more bonding. Schedule breaks for swimming, snorkeling, and other activities.

Sailing With Family: Book Your Private Sailboat Tour in San Diego

If you’re ready to experience sailing with family for yourself, look no further than Sea Monkey Adventures. Designed for families, we’re more than just a sailing service. We offer a unique and rewarding opportunity for families to create memories, bond, and have fun.

Don’t miss this opportunity to sail with family in San Diego. Book your private sailboat tour with Sea Monkey Adventures today!